Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes, 67813-67815 [E8-27167]

Download as PDF 67813 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 222 Monday, November 17, 2008 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–1215; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–072–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: SUMMARY: jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Two incidents have occurred due to the lack of visibility on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) of the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) indications. * * * * * We are issuing this AD to prevent possible mid-air collisions due to lack of visibility of TCAS indications on the PFD. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Nov 14, 2008 Jkt 217001 • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2141; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2008–1215; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–072–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Two incidents have occurred due to the lack of visibility on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) of the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) indications. EIS2 [electronic instrument system 2] standard S7 introduces modifications to the vertical speed indication to improve the legibility in case of TCAS Resolution Advisory. The modifications consist in changing the colour of the needle and increasing the width of the TCAS green band. This AD supersedes [EASA] AD 2006–0108 [dated May 3, 2006]. Also, as all aircraft in this AD applicability have been retrofitted to at least S4.2 standard, the operational limitations contained in the Compliance paragraph 2. of AD 2006–0108 have already been addressed. This AD therefore mandates the installation of the improved EIS2 standard S7. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible mid-air collisions due to lack of visibility of TCAS indications on the PFD. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320–31–1276, Revision 01, dated March 5, 2008. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. Discussion FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008–0032, dated February 21, 2008 (referred to Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\17NOP1.SGM 17NOP1 67814 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 222 / Monday, November 17, 2008 / Proposed Rules different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 113 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $36,160, or $320 per product. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Nov 14, 2008 Jkt 217001 distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2008–1215; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–072–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by December 17, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318– 111, A318–112, A319–111, A319–112, A319– 113, A319–114, A319–115, A319–131, A319– 132, A319–133, A320–111, A320–211, A320– 212, A320–214, A320–231, A320–232, A320– 233, A321–111, A321–112, A321–131, A321– 211, A321–212, A321–213, A321–231, and A321–232, certificated in any category; equipped with EIS2 (electronic instrument system 2) standard S4.2 (DMC disk part number F1419418) installed by Airbus Modification 34571, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320–31A1220, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320–31–1234; except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 36725 has been embodied in production. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31: Instruments. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Two incidents have occurred due to the lack of visibility on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) of the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) indications. EIS2 standard S7 introduces modifications to the vertical speed indication to improve the legibility in case of TCAS Resolution Advisory. The modifications consist in changing the colour of the needle and increasing the width of the TCAS green band. This AD supersedes AD 2006–0108 [dated May 3, 2006]. Also, as all aircraft in this AD applicability have been retrofitted to at least S4.2 standard, the operational limitations contained in the Compliance paragraph 2. of AD 2006–0108 have already been addressed. This AD therefore mandates the installation of the improved EIS2 standard S7. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible mid-air collisions due to lack of visibility of TCAS indications on the PFD. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, install EIS2 standard S7 (DMC disk part number F1461768), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320– 31–1276, Revision 01, dated March 5, 2008. (2) Installations done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320–31–1263, Revision 01, dated July 20, 2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A320–31–1263, Revision 02, dated August 10, 2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A320–31– 1263, Revision 03, dated November 23, 2007; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320–31–1276, dated April 18, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: (1) This AD does not include the operational limitations specified in paragraph 1 of the MCAI. The MCAI carried these limitations forward from European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2006–0108, dated May 3, 2006. The FAA-approved Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) already contains these and more restrictive operational limitations, and we previously determined that no action was required on our part regarding this provision of EASA AD 2006–0108. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM–116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. E:\FR\FM\17NOP1.SGM 17NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 222 / Monday, November 17, 2008 / Proposed Rules Send information to ATTN: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2141; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAAapproved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008–0032, dated February 21, 2008, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320–31– 1276, Revision 01, dated March 5, 2008, for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 6, 2008. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–27167 Filed 11–14–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–1213; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–092–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the intercostal webs, attachment clips, and stringer splice channels for cracks; and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD would reduce the VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Nov 14, 2008 Jkt 217001 67815 repetitive inspection intervals from 25,000 flight cycles to 6,000 flight cycles, and expand the inspection area for Model 737–200C series airplanes to include the area aft of the forward entry door. This proposed AD results from additional reports of fatigue cracks. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the intercostals on the forward and aft sides of the forward entry door, which could result in loss of the forward entry door and rapid decompression of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2008–1213; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–092–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Howard Hall, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6430; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Discussion On September 16, 2005, we issued AD 2005–20–03, amendment 39–14296 (70 FR 56361, September 27, 2005) for certain Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. That AD requires repetitive inspections of the intercostal webs, attachment clips, and stringer splice channels for cracks; and corrective action if necessary. That AD resulted from reports of fatigue cracks on several Boeing Model 737–200 series airplanes. We issued that AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the intercostals on the forward and aft sides of the forward entry door, which could result in loss of the forward entry door and rapid decompression of the airplane. Since we issued AD 2005–20–03, many operators have reported to Boeing over one hundred fatigue cracks at all doorstop and hinge support intercostals on both the forward and aft sides of the forward entry door. Operators have also reported cracks on several airplanes at multiple intercostal locations. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1204, Revision 1, dated March 26, 2007. We referred to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1204, dated June 19, 2003, as the appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the actions required by AD 2005–20–03. Revision 1 reduces the repetitive inspection intervals from 25,000 flight cycles to 6,000 flight cycles for all areas. Revision 1 also adds a new inspection for cracking in the intercostal area aft of the forward entry door for Boeing Model 737–200C series airplanes on which the intercostals on the aft side of the forward entry door were not inspected previously. (The original issue of the E:\FR\FM\17NOP1.SGM 17NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 222 (Monday, November 17, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67813-67815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-27167]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 222 / Monday, November 17, 2008 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 67813]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1215; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-072-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    Two incidents have occurred due to the lack of visibility on the 
Primary Flight Display (PFD) of the Traffic Alert and Collision 
Avoidance System (TCAS) indications.

* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to prevent possible mid-air collisions due to 
lack of visibility of TCAS indications on the PFD. The proposed AD 
would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 17, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1215; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-072-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0032, dated February 21, 2008 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Two incidents have occurred due to the lack of visibility on the 
Primary Flight Display (PFD) of the Traffic Alert and Collision 
Avoidance System (TCAS) indications.
    EIS2 [electronic instrument system 2] standard S7 introduces 
modifications to the vertical speed indication to improve the 
legibility in case of TCAS Resolution Advisory.
    The modifications consist in changing the colour of the needle 
and increasing the width of the TCAS green band.
    This AD supersedes [EASA] AD 2006-0108 [dated May 3, 2006]. 
Also, as all aircraft in this AD applicability have been retrofitted 
to at least S4.2 standard, the operational limitations contained in 
the Compliance paragraph 2. of AD 2006-0108 have already been 
addressed.
    This AD therefore mandates the installation of the improved EIS2 
standard S7.

We are issuing this AD to prevent possible mid-air collisions due to 
lack of visibility of TCAS indications on the PFD. You may obtain 
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-31-1276, Revision 01, dated 
March 5, 2008. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use

[[Page 67814]]

different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for 
U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not 
intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the 
MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 113 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $36,160, or $320 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2008-1215; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-
072-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 17, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111, A318-112, A319-
111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, 
A319-133, A320-111, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-231, A320-
232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, 
A321-213, A321-231, and A321-232, certificated in any category; 
equipped with EIS2 (electronic instrument system 2) standard S4.2 
(DMC disk part number F1419418) installed by Airbus Modification 
34571, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31A1220, or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-31-1234; except those airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 36725 has been embodied in production.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31: 
Instruments.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Two incidents have occurred due to the lack of visibility on the 
Primary Flight Display (PFD) of the Traffic Alert and Collision 
Avoidance System (TCAS) indications.
    EIS2 standard S7 introduces modifications to the vertical speed 
indication to improve the legibility in case of TCAS Resolution 
Advisory.
    The modifications consist in changing the colour of the needle 
and increasing the width of the TCAS green band.
    This AD supersedes AD 2006-0108 [dated May 3, 2006]. Also, as 
all aircraft in this AD applicability have been retrofitted to at 
least S4.2 standard, the operational limitations contained in the 
Compliance paragraph 2. of AD 2006-0108 have already been addressed.
    This AD therefore mandates the installation of the improved EIS2 
standard S7.

We are issuing this AD to prevent possible mid-air collisions due to 
lack of visibility of TCAS indications on the PFD.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install EIS2 standard S7 (DMC disk part number F1461768), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-31-1276, Revision 01, dated March 5, 2008.
    (2) Installations done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1263, Revision 01, 
dated July 20, 2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1263, Revision 
02, dated August 10, 2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1263, 
Revision 03, dated November 23, 2007; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-31-1276, dated April 18, 2007; are acceptable for compliance 
with the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) This AD does not include the operational limitations 
specified in paragraph 1 of the MCAI. The MCAI carried these 
limitations forward from European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2006-0108, dated May 3, 2006. The FAA-
approved Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) already contains these 
and more restrictive operational limitations, and we previously 
determined that no action was required on our part regarding this 
provision of EASA AD 2006-0108.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-
116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

[[Page 67815]]

Send information to ATTN: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
2141; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any 
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0032, dated 
February 21, 2008, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1276, 
Revision 01, dated March 5, 2008, for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 6, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-27167 Filed 11-14-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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